Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Author Spotlight on @GaryTroia #ShortStories #Fiction #BookClub

I would love to produce a simple, yet thought provoking novel like animal farm. Yes, it is good to set your dreams high!

How do you feel about self-publishing?

I think it is the way forwards, many traditional publishing houses are so behind in the times. I like the fact that you are in complete control when you’re self- published, you can market your work your way, you have full control over your final manuscript, you can select your own book cover, and you can publish when you want. Many publishing houses restrict your work to just one book a year.

How important are friends in your life?

We all need friends, but I don’t need many. One or two good friends is all I’ve ever needed. They are important for company, a different perspective and entertainment.

What does love mean to you?

Love for me means caring for someone, being affectionate, feeling passion for the person, wanting romance and commitment and to be emotionally connected to them.

What social issues interest you the most?

I like to keep up with national and international politics.

When you get free time, what do you want to read about?

Whatever catches my eye at the time, or something a friend recommends.

Do you find the time to read?

Absolutely! I find the time, I love reading. I generally have about five books lined up at any one time. At the moment my reading list is mainly the early novels of George Orwell.

Last book you purchased, tell us about it.

The Rubicon by Tom Holland is about the triumph and tragedy of the Roman Republic.

What is your favourite quote, by whom and why?

I like “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. It is self-explanatory.” Pablo Picasso

If You Could Have a Dinner Party and Invite anyone, Dead or Alive, Who Would You Ask?

Bill Hicks, Johnathan Swift, Voltaire, and Jane Austen.

Do You Have any Tips on How Writers can relax?

Walking is my way of relaxing and I would recommend this to any authors. It frees the mind.

For the first time ever, this collection of short stories by Gary Troia brings together, in chronological order stories and memoirs from Spanish Yarns and Beyond, English Yarns and Beyond and A Bricklayer’s Tales into one complete volume.

“Excellent! A collection of short stories about depression, alcoholism and drug use. Very compelling reading. I read this short story collection all in one go.” (Maria, Goodreads.)

A Bricklayer’s Tales is the ultimate “I hate this job” story, written as a collection of short stories and memoirs, each one revealing a snapshot in the life of Ray. Troia captures the tedium of working in a low paid, menial job and living hand to mouth. This book of short stories is sad and questions the reader to ask questions about their own life. This book achieves clarity without trying.

Ray has three expensive hobbies: drinking, drugs, and running away. Without the income that Bricklaying provides, he would not be able to maintain his chosen lifestyle, so he compromises his principles and continues with his trade.

A collection of short stories and memoirs that include:

The Cuckoo’s Egg. Boyhood antics lead to tragedy.

My Grandfather’s Shed. The making of an English key

No Comb on the Cock. Gypsies, champion fighting cocks, and career choices.

What I Did In My Summer Holidays In 1000 Words. Could having an idea ever be considered a criminal act?

My Best Mate’s Head. Did a weekend of boozing save Ray from certain death?

The Shetland Isles. A trip to sunny Benidorm, a chance meeting with some Glaswegians, and a cold, miserable job in Lerwick.

Pointing a House in Islington. Too much alcohol and cocaine don’t mix well on building sites!

Angel Dust. The peculiar story of a man whose new life in America leads to conversations with Ancient Greek philosophers

Peyote. Hippies, LSD and an idyllic refuge

Return Ticket. Handcuffed and ready for deportation. A sad departure from the States

When I Joined a Cult. Sober dating as Ray discovers religion.

Bilbao. How very, very English!

Teaching Other People. The grass is always greener-the escape from bricklaying.

A Week in the Life of Ray Dennis. With the prospect of no money for food or alcohol this Christmas, Ray has to find work quickly.

Catania. A meeting with a Sicilian fox, some Neapolitans, and a man with a camel haired coat.

Advert In The Art Shop Window. Will a new building job in Spain be the start of a new life?

Gaudi. A flight to Barcelona for a kebab, and a look at the Sagrada Familia.

The Day My Soul Left Me. “To be or not to be? That is the question”

How Not to Travel to The Alhambra. Hung-over, the wrong fuel, the car breaks down. Will they ever make it to Granada?

The Road To Ronda. A terrifying drive to Ronda, was it worth it?

Poking A Carob Tree. A new home and new neighbours, just in time for Christmas.

Spain Reborn.No more commuting to London. Lets celebrate!

Home From Home. A parallel world where the Spanish have taken over Weymouth.

Three Common Carp.An epic battle with a whale and marlin it is not.

Mrs. McClintock. An absurd farce in which a Glaswegian couple retire to Spain